Target type: biologicalprocess
The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a type II pneumocyte. A type II pneumocyte is a surfactant secreting cell that contains abundant cytoplasm containing numerous lipid-rich multilamellar bodies. [GOC:dph, GOC:mtg_lung, ISBN:0721662544]
Type II pneumocyte differentiation is a complex process that involves the maturation of alveolar epithelial cells into specialized cells responsible for surfactant production and alveolar homeostasis. The process begins with the commitment of multipotent progenitor cells to the alveolar epithelial lineage. These progenitor cells express transcription factors such as GATA6 and NKX2.1, which are crucial for the initiation of type II pneumocyte differentiation.
As the progenitor cells differentiate, they undergo a series of morphological and functional changes. They acquire the characteristic cuboidal shape of type II pneumocytes and begin expressing surfactant proteins, including SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D. These proteins are essential for reducing surface tension in the alveoli, preventing alveolar collapse during exhalation.
Type II pneumocytes also express other important proteins, such as aquaporin 5, which facilitates water transport across the cell membrane, and Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP), which plays a role in airway defense.
The differentiation process is tightly regulated by a network of signaling pathways, including the Wnt, Hedgehog, and TGF-β pathways. These pathways interact with transcription factors to control the expression of genes involved in type II pneumocyte development.
During lung injury, type II pneumocytes have the ability to proliferate and differentiate into type I pneumocytes, which are responsible for gas exchange. This process is essential for lung regeneration and repair.
Type II pneumocyte differentiation is a continuous process throughout life, ensuring the maintenance of alveolar structure and function.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Serine hydrolase RBBP9 | A serine hydrolase RBBP9 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:O75884] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| emetine | emetine : A pyridoisoquinoline comprising emetam having methoxy substituents at the 6'-, 7'-, 10- and 11-positions. It is an antiprotozoal agent and emetic. It inhibits SARS-CoV2, Zika and Ebola virus replication and displays antimalarial, antineoplastic and antiamoebic properties. Emetine: The principal alkaloid of ipecac, from the ground roots of Uragoga (or Cephaelis) ipecacuanha or U. acuminata, of the Rubiaceae. It is used as an amebicide in many different preparations and may cause serious cardiac, hepatic, or renal damage and violent diarrhea and vomiting. Emetine inhibits protein synthesis in EUKARYOTIC CELLS but not PROKARYOTIC CELLS. | isoquinoline alkaloid; pyridoisoquinoline | antiamoebic agent; anticoronaviral agent; antiinfective agent; antimalarial; antineoplastic agent; antiprotozoal drug; antiviral agent; autophagy inhibitor; emetic; expectorant; plant metabolite; protein synthesis inhibitor |